Wow, it is actually going to happen! I wasn't so sure after seeing the For Rent sign still up at the old Pad Thai Shack last time I was in the Rittenhouse area. So exciting. I wish I could see a menu! We'll see about a next-month opening date, though.....

I was wondering if this was going to happen! I am looking forward to this place opening, and so conveniently located! Vegan Philly is pretty awesome these days. We've got an all-vegan cafe, a pizzeria, an upscale restaurant with award winning chef/owner, a plethora of chinese joints and now an all-vegan fast food place!

YOU GUYS. I met the owner of HipCityVeg today. Super-sweet lady. I am officially really, really excited about this place because now I'm convinced it is actually happening. Apparently they'll be opening in March, with a Burgers 'n' Fries menu developed by the chef at Vedge. There will be milkshakes involved. Burgers and milkshakes in Rittenhouse...this summer is gonna rule.

OVERVIEW: This application proposes to install a wood awning above the non-historic storefrontat 127 S. 18th Street. The awning would be supported by an aluminum frame mounted intoexisting bracket holes. The awning will consist of six-inch oak boards spaced three inches apartover the aluminum frame. This application also proposes vinyl decal signage for the storefrontwindow.

Ms. Marquis stated that the Sign Committee of the Art Commission reviewed her proposal lastweek and that the members of the Committee stated that they would approve the awning,contingent on the Historical Commission’s approval. She stated that her new restaurant isintended to be an example of sustainability and this would carry through to the reclaimed woodawning. She stated that the awning would consist of oak that will look exquisite and wouldcomplement the Rittenhouse Square area. She opined that the proposed awning would be animprovement over the existing awning, which is a vinyl back-lit awning.

Mr. Evans asked the staff about the awning shown in the designation photo and the one that iscurrently installed on the storefront. Ms. Cote explained that the awning in the designation photowas grandfathered in with the designation and that the Commission has no record of review forthe existing awning. Mr. Evans informed the applicant that the existing awning is essentiallyillegal.

Ms. Hawkins stated that historically awnings were made of fabric. She stated that she thoughtthat this was the first time the Committee had reviewed a proposal for a wood awning.

Ms. Marquis clarified that this awning may require new installation holes, but that she would useexisting holes where possible. She stated that she would patch the old holes with the dust fromthe new holes. She stated that this would make the building look even better. She stated thatthe awning will need to be supported every 30 inches as opposed to every 36 inches. Shesupplied a photograph of a wood awning found in Center City. She stated that she proposed tohave a metal frame around the wood as shown in the photograph.

Again, vegan philly rules right now. I made it here for lunch today and there was a line out the door!! I will say, if you don't like lots of people in small confined places, I would recommend going during off hours! Although it was busy, it was well worth the wait and I managed to snag one of the 4 tables. I ordered the Chkn Ranch sandwich, a side of fries and a green iced tea - $16.05. Kind of steep for lunch, even though the individual items are well priced. I was initially thinking upon recieving my order of fries (sweet potatoe with this amazing dipping sauce) that $4 was kind of a lot for a little...but then I tried the dipping sauce, and everything in the world was okay again. Sandwich was really good. The peppercorn ranch was tasty..the chkn patty was awesome and thick...like maybe 2 gardein patties in one. I am wondering if they make it themselves. Really looking forward to trying the burger and seitan cheesesteak sandwiches and of course the milkshakes!!